Letter to Anne Lamott

“It’s good to do uncomfortable things. It’s weight training for life.”   ― Anne Lamott, Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith

Dear Anne Lamott,

My friend Jan keeps taunting me with silly writer things like Blogathon.  Yesterday she sent me a link to a new challenge.  It is the 15 day Great Writer’s Challenge.  Today is Day one and the challenge is to “Declare Yourself a Writer.” Since January of this year, I have done just that.  I have told everyone I know and now hundreds of people I have never met (through my blog) that I am a writer.

But, the challenge is to declare yourself a writer, “to an actual person or institution. Someone or something you’re scared of — this could be a person who might reject or judge you, a family member who may misunderstand you, or a publisher who could discredit you. But tell them and tell them now.

You are my favorite author. Bird by Bird keeps me sane some days.  I want to be just like you when I grow up.  Since I turned sixty last year, there is still some debate about when that will happen.  I created my own cover for my facebook page and front and center is quote from you.  I quote you all the time.  Oh wait, is that legal?  I’m not violating any copyright laws, am I?  Of course going to jail may provide some new material for my writing.

Naturally, I am scared of telling you that I am a writer.  I imagine an assistant opening this letter, falling out laughing and saying, “Look it is another crazy Anne Lamott fan and this one considers herself a writer.”  In that case, you will never see this letter.  However, if you should read it I imagine you with a raised eyebrow and smile saying something that contains at least two very descriptive bits of profanity.

However, I am determined to complete the first challenge so here it is.  Anne Lamott, I am a WRITER.   I am a better writer because of your books.  I have also learned a great deal about being a radical Christian, a feminist, a recovering alcoholic/addict, and a friend because of your writing.  I have learned about grief, acceptance, laughter, and not taking myself so seriously.

Sincerely,

Cathy Morton

WRITER

*I am going to link this blog to her facebook  page.

 

 

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